About Cape Town City Centre / CBD

Cape Town is situated at the lowest extreme south west corner of Africa, with the cold Atlantic on the west and the warm Indian ocean to the east. The first sight of Cape Town is always the massive awesome flat topped outline of Table Mountain soaring above the city against a brilliant sk...
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More info about Cape Town City Centre / CBD

Cape Town is situated at the lowest extreme south west corner of Africa, with the cold Atlantic on the west and the warm Indian ocean to the east. The first sight of Cape Town is always the massive awesome flat topped outline of Table Mountain soaring above the city against a brilliant sky.

Surrounded by a range of sheer mountains with forests, lakes and rivers, glorious natural flora and fauna, overlooking a sparkling ocean with pristine white beaches, Cape Town is probably the most beautiful city in the world and it has been nominated the No 1 Travel Destination by the New York Times, and the Telegraph and Guardian in London.

It is the nearest international city in the southern hemisphere for European tourists to visit, much closer than Australia,South America and Asia . As South Africa is the most peaceful and economically developed country in Africa, it offers a chance for tourists to explore Africa .

Things to Do

Cape Town is a vibrant city with a rich colourful cultural history and influences from both East and West.There are endless varieties and choices of activities to cater for everyone.

Cape Town was elected World Design Capital in 2014 and is known as the musical and artistic centre of the country. The city centre has modern malls as well as charming shops,restaurants, cafes, designer boutiques, art and antique galleries, and flower markets. African curios are sold at stalls in Greenmarket Square, a small cobbled square in the centre of town.

Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa. It began as a stop off point for the Dutch East India Company ships to replenish supplies on the long voyage from Europe round Africa to the Far East. In 1662 they built the stone fort complete with moat around it and market gardens. The castle, looking much the same as it did 350 years ago, is the oldest building in South Africa and is open every day in the city centre to a steady stream of tourists.

The city grew gradually around the castle over the next couple of hundred years, and was accessible only by sea . The city centre has many fine examples of elegant Georgian architecture built in the 1700’s, buildings of architectural and historical importance.

There are also the National Art Galleries, several museums , the Company Gardens and the Observatory in the town centre, all within walking distance.

Cape Town city, being in a vast nature reserve, has several climbing routes up the mountains. Tourists need to dress appropriately, with hats and the right shoes, and take water, to avoid calling out the helicopter Mountain Rescue teams.

Many different guided walks are available along the towering mountains, through forests and lakes past waterfalls, with spectacular views of the ocean.There is an amazing floral kingdom in the nature reserve which is unique to the Western Cape.

The Table Mountain Cable Car is a thrill for everyone, the views over the city and ocean are overwhelmingly magnificent and visitors can walk about the top as there are trails, and have lunch there too.

South Africa is known to be a sporting country partly due to its mild climate. Apart from the hiking and walking, there is surfing, swimming,mountaineering, paragliding from Signal Hill, kite surfing, boating, bicycling, mountain bike scrambling, and more. There are numerous beaches a short drive from the city centre. Boating cruises and helicopter flights can be booked.

Entertainment , celebrations and parties are a big priority in Cape Town. There are always plays, dance and jazz festivals, live music and events on.There are many nightclubs in the city centre.

Where to Eat

Cape Town has dozens of superb world class restaurants, Cafes, bars and restaurants line the city streets. A large selection is available, from sushi, pizzas, seafood,Indian, Portuguese, Italian, to French and Mediterranean.

There are more typically south african restaurants a little out of town on vineyards and wine estates like Buitenverwachting, De Grendel and La Columbe in Constantia.

Where To Stay

Cape Town has a well established tourism industry and so there is a huge variety of comfortable well organised accommodation. As a port, it is used to catering for visitors and has everything to offer from modern luxury hotels to old colonial style hotels like the Mount Nelson, to lofts, penthouses, guest houses , backpackers etc.

Cape Town is a favourite destination for international celebrities. It is a favourite location for film crews, for both commercials and movies, not only because of the exquisite scenery but also because of the incredible good value due to the exchange rate.

Transport

Transport is easy and fast, one can hire a car or order taxis. The uba taxi service is never more than minutes away in town.

There is also the efficient citibus service around the town and the red tour bus that takes fantastic scenic routes along the seashore, and round the mountain. There are beautiful scenic drives in every direction from the city centre.

Cape Town is a gateway to the rest of the country, a central point from which to explore the Western Cape coastlines or even head further north to the game reserves.